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For the user who can perform
only a single motor action reliably such as turning the
head to the right, switches can provide independent control
for the first time
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Switches come in a variety
of shapes, sizes and pressure sensitivity
Most can be mounted and activated by any part of the body.
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Can function as a simple
mouse click or perform scanning, in which the user activates
the switch when the desired item on the screen is highlighted
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Typically used in conjunction
with Ke:nx® technology to provide scanning
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These simple mechanical devices
can be used to operate computers, communication aids, environmental
control systems, mobility aids, and even simple toys and
appliances
Big Red® Switch - By: AbleNet
Bright, round and tough.
5” in diameter
Pressure:
Less than 3 oz.
Color options: red, yellow, green, blue $39
Available: clear plastic switch cover, to place and protect
symbols on switches
Jelly Bean® Switch - By: AbleNet
Compact 2 1/2” in diameter
Pressure: less than 2 oz.
Colors: red, green, yellow, blue, black, pink, purple
Cost:
$39
Available: Snap! Switch Small Cap protective cover
Specs™ Switch - By: AbleNet
Small switch 1 3/8” in diameter
Pressure: 3 oz.
Comes
in with three bases to accommodate different placements
Colors: Red, green, yellow, blue, black, pink, purple
Cost: $44
Switches - Special
Buddy
Switches - By: TASH
- Similar to Jellybean switches with the exception of their
fun appearance
Cost: $39
Oval Texture Switches -
By: Prentke Romich
- Provide tactile sensory feedback
Cost:
$26 (medium size)
Discover:Switch - By: Don Johnston
Attaches directly to the computer
Allows access to any program with a single switch
Large, includes extra jacks for extra switches
Available in Mac and PC
Cost: $430
Switches - Sensitive
Some switches are very sensitive
and require only about an ounce of pressure.
Many sensitive switches come in several sizes.
Plate
Switch- By: AbleNet
Cost: $20
Ellipse
Switches - By: Don Johnston
Cost: $67 (medium)
Switches - Durable
The Ultimate Switch - By: AbleNet
Versatile switch can be activated by slight touch and can withstand
significant gross motor blows
Comes with mounting device
Cost: $65
Ke:nx™
Ke:nx™ - By: Don Johnston
The only product that accommodates switches, alternate keyboards,
on-screen keyboards,
and other input methods
Speech output
Powerful programmable software included
Cost: $770
- With six input methods, Ke:nx™ is very
versatile and can be used by several students with varying
disabilities and input needs
- With a simple scanning array and a switch,
students can have complete access to art programs
Ke:nx™ plugs into ADB port (Mac), input device
is plugged into Ke:nx™
Switch Interface
Switch Interface - By: Don
Johnston
Use
with any switch-ready or “click” software
Attach up to 5 switches to run software that supports multiple
switches
Not programmable
Cost: $130 MAC $95 PC
Environmental
Control Devices
Powerlink 3 - By: AbleNet
$179
Connects
electrical appliances to a switch for easy activation
Offers four modes of control: Direct, Timed Seconds, Timed Minutes,
Latch
Safer cordless control with addition of AirLink switch
Connect up to two electrical appliances (blender, drill, pencil
sharpener)
